I love getting mail from my readers, and this week I got an email from Malt and Oak reader and Balvenie fan Tiffany asking for a review of the Balvenie 14 year old Caribbean Cask. In truth, I’ve been remiss in publishing notes for several Balvenie expression I either have notes for, or have samples here to try. In fact, I even have two Balvenie bottles on hand from which I imbibe, but have yet to take notes. So Tiffany, this series of Balvenie reviews is dedicated to you!
Photo Credit: pixshark.com
The Balvenie has been working with rum casks for years now, having released the 17 year old Rum Cask, and three 14 year old rum finished expressions (the incredible GoldenCask (my notes for it were lost in a technical accident), a Cuban Selection and the current Caribbean Cask).
Photo Credit: whiskyclub.pixnet.net
Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask (43% ABV)
Appearance: Copper, thick legs form rather quickly.
Nose: Thick sweetness, malt, light pepper, freshly hewed pine plank shavings, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg. Notes of hazelnut appear after whisky has breathed some,
Palate: Sweet down the tongue with honey in a full and smooth mouthfeel, and some white rum notes. Spices abound on the tongue with pepper, chilli and nutmeg.
Linger: Some spice in the back of the throat, and a sweeter spice on the tongue. A light bitterness then mixes with the sweet notes on the tongue in the really long finish.
Conclusion
Calling a Balvenie well made is merely stating the obvious, and you can taste David Stewart’s labor of love in every bottle. Yet despite being just as old, the GoldenCask is somewhat better than the Caribbean Cask, and if you can get your hands on a bottle, you should.
Thank you Tiffany for your email! If any of you have requests for specific reviews, feel free to drop me a line with your request.
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